Kevin De Bruyne to depart Manchester City after glorious decade
Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club this summer upon contract expiry, ending a transformative nine-year spell. The 33-year-old Belgian maestro, signed from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £55m, lifted 16 trophies including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League.
Pep Guardiola hailed him as “one of England’s greatest ever midfielders,” though injuries limited him to just 19 starts this season. De Bruyne confirmed the emotional exit on social media: “We won everything. Whether we like it or not, it’s time.”
City plans a “fitting tribute” for their 413-game icon, the first midfielder since Colin Bell to score 100+ goals for the club.
The playmaker leaves as the Premier League’s active assist king (117), holding records for most chances created (827) and joint-most assists in a season (20).
Despite never winning a Player of the Month award, he claimed two Premier League Player of the Season honors.
While linked to Saudi Arabia last summer, De Bruyne’s next move remains unconfirmed. His departure marks the end of an era for City’s most creative force, whose vision and precision redefined English football’s midfield standards.
